Apple cuts iPhone Air production, shifts capacity to iPhone 17 models

Apple is cutting production of its new iPhone Air and reallocating capacity to other iPhone 17 models after early sales fell short of expectations, according to supply‑chain sources and analyst reports. The reductions are set to take effect in November and extend into early 2026, with manufacturers told to scale back Air orders dramatically while output for the base iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max is being increased.

People familiar with Apple’s manufacturing plans said the company will keep its total iPhone 17 family production target roughly unchanged at about 85 to 90 million units for the period, but that the Air’s share of those totals has been slashed to levels industry sources described as borderline end of production. One supplier manager estimated November orders for the Air would be less than 10 percent of September volumes. Prominent industry analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo forecast that many suppliers will reduce Air capacity by more than 80 percent by the first quarter of 2026 and that some long‑lead components could be discontinued by the end of 2025.

An investor survey cited by analysts found "virtually no demand" for the iPhone Air, while reporting showed demand...